About Tilly
Tilly is a slightly different proposition to almost all other air cooled buses. As many will know German Type Two (T2) production ceased in 1979 but continued in Brazil until about four years ago. The last run of these buses had a contemporary liquid cooled engine (from a VW Polo no less!) Most enthusiasts agree this took away some of the character of these wonderful vehicles.
Tilly however is one of the very last air cooled buses ever born and came into the world in 2006 in the Sao Bernardo do Campo plant Brazil with the essential air cooled power(!) unit. As a consequence she’s full of character with that classic and distinctive air cooled ‘clatter’ which is really the very soul of these campers and so much better sounding than the liquid cooled T2 Brazilians.
Tilly subsequently had a full blown ‘Rio’ conversion by coachbuilder Danbury (to their highest standard spec) and what better colour than the wonderfully period and evocative ‘niagarablau’ over white. Of course in Brazil a vehicle heater isn’t necessary and so was never originally fitted, however, during the conversion Danbury fitted a ‘Webasto’ cab heater so she’s pretty toasty if the weather is against you.
Like Gina, Tilly has four seatbelts (the two in the rear being lapbelts) and her interior is as fresh as a daisy. For extra ‘cool’ why not carry some of your luggage on the forward chrome and timber roof rack! (Don’t worry if it turns a little rainy we have a solution to keep your stuff dry) Be prepared for random strangers to compliment you on your transport!
How Tilly is set up
Our vans are perfectly set up for your adventure.
- ‘Smart’ electric system for powered site hook-ups or standalone camping.
- On board ‘Webasto’ cab heater which provides plenty of heat for on and off site camping.
- For off-site camping you have a 2nd ‘house’ battery for lights etc so you can’t run down the engine battery. This automatically charges as you drive or when you are plugged in on site. You can also run and charge your own electic items via the 12v ‘car’ plugs.
- Waeco chest fridge that really works well on 12 v or 240 v mains power when connected on a campsite
- ¾ length vertically raising roof which permits provides a sleeping areas for 2 children or 1 adult (80 kgs max)
- Fold down ¾ bed suitable for 2 adults
- 4 seat belts – the two rear ones are of lap belt design.
- Please refer to ‘Inclusions‘ for a full equipment list
Other standard fittings include
- Full LED lighting
- 2 Burner gas stove
- Sink and powered cold water supply
- Cutlery and crockery for the number of passengers on board
- Tumblers, wine glasses and mugs
- Pans, kettle, knives, chopping board, bottle opener, cork screw, mixing bowls, jug etc
- Dustpan and brush, matches, disposable BBQ, tea towels, dish washing stuff
- Teabags, coffee, sugar, salt and pepper
- Torch, Collins Road Map, notepad, pen etc
- Fire extinguisher and fire blanket, carbon monoxide alarm, first aid kit
- Memberships: AA Roadside Assistance and Recovery, Camping and Caravanning Club Privilege Pack (temporary membership for access to campsites and all discount entitlements)